New Restaurant Alert: Osaka Ohsho at SM Megmall, Mandaluyong City

(SPOT.ph) Founded in Japan in 1969 by Shinzo Fumino, Osaka Ohsho started as a stall selling handmade gyoza by the Kyobashi train station. Forty-five years and 300+ stores later, the specialty of the house is still a must-try, and now you only need to go to SM Megamall to get it. Osaka Ohsho opened on February 13 at the mall's new SM Mega Fashion Hall, offering their signature gyoza along with other Japanese favorites like chicken teriyaki and gindara.

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But of course, you go for the gyoza. Osaka Ohsho serves three types: original, cheese, and nori. Each variant can be ordered in six (original, P175; cheese or nori, P190) or 12 pieces (original, P350; cheese or nori, P380). While the cheese and nori flavors are a unique take on the dumpling, the original can only be described as a classic: not too oily, with a wrapper that's firm but not so chewy that you'd have to struggle with every bite. The filling is finely ground and flavorful, with pork and scallions in perfect proportions.

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Gyoza

Fried rice

Dipping options include chili or an intriguing miso sauce that has just a hint of spice and surprising citrusy undertones, but the original complements the dumpling best, its subtle vinegar tang cutting through the savory flavor of the gyoza. The Gyoza Koshihikari Set (P270) includes six pieces of gyoza (original), plain rice, miso soup, and fruits-those who prefer fried rice can switch to the Chahan Gyoza Set (P360).

As Japanese staples go, gyoza is probably one of the most underrated. It's pretty easy to predict that Osaka Ohsho is likely to change that.